TUCKER, Ga. -- Thanks to customers' generosity, metro Atlanta Kroger stores were able to raise more than $375,000 for the Muscular Dystrophy Association this year.

"Kroger remains one of the largest supporters of MDA's efforts to provide much needed services and potentially lifesaving research to local families living with muscular dystrophy," Sabrina Hughes, regional director of MDA's Southeast division, said in a statement. "Kroger associates and their customers continue to provide help and hope to children and adults with muscle disease, and everyone involved really responded to this year's campaign, even in these tough economic times."

Customers gave to the campaign by purchasing paper shamrocks for $1 or $5 each throughout the month of March.

Atlanta-area Kroger stores have supported MDA for the last 12 years. The money raised goes toward research and helps send children with muscular dystrophy to a special summer camp.